Camp Pendleton Marines, Third Fleet sailors and Japanese troops kicked off Iron Fist during a ceremony Tuesday at the base adjoining Oceanside. The annual bilateral exercise that began in San Diego County in 2006 is larger this year and includes nearly a month of training at three Southern California locations.

Participating personnel include about 1,000 troops from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit led by Col. Christopher Taylor; about 250 members of Japan’s Western Army Infantry Regiment led by Col. Matasushi Kunii, and the crew of the amphibious assault ship Boxer.

Iron Fist includes live fire, close air support and artillery training at the Marine combat center at Twentynine Palms; amphibious training on San Clemente Island; and at Camp Pendleton – urban combat, mechanized training and an amphibious assault on Red Beach.

Closing ceremonies are scheduled for Feb. 15.

Iron Fist is designed to increase coordination between West Coast U.S. troops and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force, in preparation for crisis response in the Pacific. Contingencies Marine expeditionary units respond to include military conflicts, natural disasters and humanitarian relief missions.

Platoons of Japanese soldiers and U.S. Marines stood side-by-side Tuesday during the ceremony on the 21 Area parade deck, while speaker comments were delivered in English and Japanese.

“Our training and social engagement over the next several weeks offers opportunities to build our warrior bonds and personal friendships, gain a better understanding of each other’s cultures, develop individual tactical skills and enhance our amphibious capabilities,” Taylor said.

Maj. Gen. Melvin Spiese, deputy commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, said: “Of the 20 major security cooperation exercises and events conducted by I Marine Expeditionary Force, Iron Fist is the largest and most significant. This reflects the importance the United States places on its military relationship with Japan … a very important partner and friend in the Pacific.”